Materials:

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

Dec = sc2tog or invisible decrease

st / sts = stitch / stitches

NOTES

Instead of crocheting the eyes, you may also use
pieces of felt, if you choose (or if you simply don't have any black
yarn available). Or, if you prefer, use 12mm (or even one 9mm eye and
one 12mm eye for that "uneven" look that Kodama have) black safety eyes,
place them off off-kilter and/or just omit the mouth altogether.

I did not add stuffing to the arms or legs.

Instructions:

EYE 1

With black yarn and size F (3.75mm) hook, ch 2.

6 sc in second ch from hook. Sl st in first sc, ch 1.

2 sc in ea sc around. Sl st in first sc.

Fasten off, leaving a length for sewing.

EYE 2

With black yarn and size F (3.75mm) hook, ch 2.

6 sc in second ch from hook. Sl st in first sc.

Fasten off, leaving a length for sewing.

HEAD & BODY

With white yarn and size G (4mm) hook, start with a magic ring.

5 sc into ring.

2 sc in ea sc around. (10)

(2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc)around. (15)

(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc)around. (20)

(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 3 sc)around. (25)

(2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc)around. (30)

Sc in ea sc around for 6 rounds.

(Dec, sc in next 4 sc)around. (25)

Sc in ea sc around.

(Dec, sc in next 3 sc)around. (20)

(Dec, sc in next 2 sc)around. (15)

At this point, attach safety eyes (if you are using those) and begin to add stuffing.

Continue to add stuffing as you close up the head.

(Dec, sc in next sc)around. (10)

Dec until 6 sts remain. (6)

2 sc in ea sc around. (12)

(Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc)around. (18)

(Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc)around. (24)

Sc in ea sc around for 9 rounds.

(Sc in next 2 sc, Dec)around. (18)

At this point, begin to add stuffing.

Continue to add stuffing throughout remaining rounds. (If available, you may want to add poly-pellets to help keep the Kodama from tipping over. The pellets will add weight to the base and help it sit upright.)

(Sc in next sc, Dec)around. (12)

Dec around. (6)

Fasten off and thread yarn through remaining sts.

Pull tight and secure the yarn end.

ARMS

Make 2.

Using white yarn and size G (4mm) hook, start with a magic ring.

4 sc into ring.

2 sc in ea sc around. (8)

Sc in each sc around for 8 rounds. (8)

(Dec, sc in next 2 sc)twice. (6)

Sl st in next sc.

Fasten off, leaving a length of yarn for sewing.

LEGS

Make 2.

Using white yarn and size G (4mm) hook, start with a magic ring.

Ch 1, 5 sc into ring. (5)

2 sc in ea sc around. (10)

Sc in ea sc around for 3 rounds.

Dec, sc in next 8 sc. (9)

Sc in ea sc around. (9)

Dec, sc in next 7 sc. (8)

Dec around. (4)

Fasten off and thread yarn through remaining sts.

Pull tight and secure the yarn end.

ASSEMBLY

Sew the eyes to the head.

Embroider mouth over 1 sc space on the head.

Sew the arms to the sides of the body. (Use photos as a guide for placement.)

Sew the legs side by side to the front of the body, positioning them so that they help keep the Kodama sitting upright.